Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.

Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.

Friday, May 7, 2021
Governor Cooper Executive Order: Relax State’s Outdoor Mask Mandate, Ease Mass Gathering Limits
May 7 all-day
Online w North Carolina Office of the Governor
Wednesday, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 209 which outlines safety measures for the month of May. EO 209 will take effect on April 30 and is set to expire June 1. The state anticipates lifting more restrictions on June 1 as more North Carolinians get vaccinated over the next month.
Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. Masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by NC DHHS in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.
Executive Order No. 209 will also increase mass gathering capacity limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 50 to 100 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 100 to 200. Occupancy limits currently in place will remain the same.
Hiking for Hunger
May 7 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 7 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
Ross Medical Education Virtual Open House
May 7 all-day
Ross Medical Education Center

Come chat virtually with an advisor. Get all the information you need to jump start your new career.
Fully online degrees available from wherever you are! Enroll now to start your exciting new career in fields such as medical or dental assisting, nursing, veterinary technician, and many more.
See our website for details and instructions.

This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 7 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 7 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
New COVID-19 ACA Special Enrollment Period w/ Pisgah Legal
May 7 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.

HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Cornelius.

 

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

Mobile Blood Drive
May 7 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
United Community Bank

TBC Rewards

 

Sharing Life. Saving Lives.

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 7 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
May 7 @ 2:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Mills River United Methodist Church/In the Fellowship Hall

With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

 

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Build Your Own Terrarium Workshop
May 7 @ 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
828 Market on Main

Join us in kicking off the Spring season with this special introductory price! Our workshops last between 1-2 hours and include all information and materials needed to create a fun, living terrarium. This class is perfect for beginners or experienced crafters! Instruction covers learning about air plants, care tips, design principles, and more. We include everything needed to create your terrarium, from the container and plants to fun additions like shells, driftwood, gemstones and crystals, figurines, and more. A gift box and care instructions are included to ensure your success. Participants are welcome to bring (waterproof) figurines or other design additions that they’d like to incorporate into their terrarium. Please register and purchase tickets at www.Vivid-Event.com . This is our most popular class and registration fills up quickly! Food, beverages, and alcohol will be available for purchase through our host venue, 828 Market on Main (180 N. Main St, Waynesville NC)

Saturday, May 8, 2021
Governor Cooper Executive Order: Relax State’s Outdoor Mask Mandate, Ease Mass Gathering Limits
May 8 all-day
Online w North Carolina Office of the Governor
Wednesday, Governor Cooper signed Executive Order 209 which outlines safety measures for the month of May. EO 209 will take effect on April 30 and is set to expire June 1. The state anticipates lifting more restrictions on June 1 as more North Carolinians get vaccinated over the next month.
Under the new Executive Order, masks will still be required indoors but are no longer mandated outdoors. Masks are still strongly recommended outdoors by NC DHHS in crowded areas and higher risk settings where social distancing is difficult.
Executive Order No. 209 will also increase mass gathering capacity limits. The number of people who may gather indoors will increase from 50 to 100 and the number of people who may gather outdoors will increase from 100 to 200. Occupancy limits currently in place will remain the same.
Hiking for Hunger
May 8 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 8 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 8 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

Morning Yoga
May 8 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am
Earthshine Lodge

These yoga sessions are designed with the mountaintop retreat experience in mind. This is gentle, easy yoga for all ages and experience levels. Join us for a chance to re-center yourself and feel free to stay afterwards for a cup of tea and some relaxation / reflection time on the porch or in a hammock.

Cost: (FREE) To make it affordable for everyone, Laura does not have a set fee, but asks that you consider giving a “Thank-you gift” of any amount in the gift box before or after class.
Availability: Pre-registration is requested so that we know how many people to expect.
Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
Ages: Ages 4 and up (children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult)
Led by: Laura Sullivan, You Can Do This Yoga
Other Info: Please bring a mat and a small blanket or swim towel.

Blacksmithing & Brews
May 8 @ 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Ever wanted to try your hand at blacksmithing? Here’s your chance to experience the basics of shaping hot steel with a hammer and anvil in our unforgettable Blacksmithing and Brews workshop. You’ll fire up the forge with our seasoned educator Mo, who’s been teaching hands-on living history at Earthshine for over sixteen years. He’ll guide you every step of the way, helping you work a piece of rough steel into a one of a kind, hand crafted knife form you can take home. You’ll stoke the coal fire, hammer glowing metal straight from forge, and learn all kinds of history, lore, techniques, and tricks about the craft.

After the workshop, you can enjoy a local brew on the front deck of our main lodge overlooking Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge. You can take it easy, soaking up the mountain views while you sip, or keep working to refine your project, taking it from the rugged, fresh out of the fire look to a smoother, cleaner finish. We’ll even throw in a take-home kit with a few essential tools you can use to turn your project into a piece of art worth displaying.

No experience is needed and all equipment is provided. Ages 13+ are welcome, but you must be at least 21 to be served beer. If you’re under 21, we’ll provide lemonade, tea or sparkling water. Each person participating will take home their own wrought iron crude knife form that can be used as a letter opener or simple spreading utensil.

We’ll emphasize safety procedures throughout the entire program. Each participant will have their own set of safety equipment throughout the program, including gloves and safety glasses. Face coverings are required whenever participants cannot be 6 feet apart. Equipment is sanitized after each class.

Cost: $95 per person
Duration: 3 hours
Ages: Ages 13 and over

Paint & Wine
May 8 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Earthshine Lodge

Enjoy an afternoon of refreshments and art at the lodge! A glass of wine or a beer is included for parents and those under 21 can enjoy sweet tea, hot chocolate, juice, or sparkling water while working on a nature-themed painting under the instruction of our art teacher, M.

Class led by: M Rathsack
The registration fee is $35.00 and includes:
All materials: 11×14 canvas, paint, brushes, water cups, paper towels and
One glass of wine, beer, or non-alcoholic beverages (additional may be purchased)

Sunday, May 9, 2021
Hiking for Hunger
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Hiking for Hunger

Former Volunteer Manager, Micah Tomlinson, and former MANNA Community Market Driver, Keeka Grant-Tomlinson, began hiking the Appalachian Trail together as part of Hiking for Hunger – a fundraiser created by both of them to help raise awareness of hunger and food insecurity in WNC, while also raising funds for MANNA FoodBank.
To follow along with their thru-hike and to learn more about Hiking for Hunger, Hiking for Hunger | Making miles for meals in Western North Carolina.
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 9 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

Monday, May 10, 2021
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 10 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 10 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 10 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.
New COVID-19 ACA Special Enrollment Period w/ Pisgah Legal
May 10 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal

People have a new opportunity to enroll in health insurance for 2021 on HealthCare.gov, but only for a limited time. This new COVID-19 Special Enrollment period starts on February 15, 2021 and ends on May 15, 2021. Pisgah Legal Services (PLS), and its enrollment partners of WNC, are once again offering free assistance helping people in the 18-county mountain region review their options and sign up for ACA health insurance.

With job losses continuing to mount amid the COVID-19 resurgence, and millions of people having lost their job-based health insurance since the start of this public health and economic crisis, the Biden Administration has opened up HealthCare.gov to give people who need health insurance a new opportunity to get covered, but they must act quickly. For free help locally, with trained assisters, make an appointment at pisgahlegal.org/aca or call (828) 210-3404.

“More than 535,000 North Carolinians enrolled in a health insurance plan during the last Open Enrollment period,” said Shannon Cornelius, Pisgah Legal’s Health Justice Program Director. “This is a new chance for people to sign up, and anyone who needs health insurance should visit HealthCare.gov today, or contact Pisgah Legal Services if you need assistance. Don’t delay.”

Health insurance is more affordable than many people think. In North Carolina, 83 percent of current marketplace consumers had plans available for 2021 that cost less than $50 per month, after financial help. Nine out of 10 marketplace enrollees in North Carolina received financial help that lowered their monthly health insurance premiums last year. In addition, 57 percent of enrollees also qualified for lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services.

“With this new Special Enrollment Period, both new and existing marketplace consumers can shop for marketplace pans, compare options, costs and even make changes. It opens up the ability to get health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. Our certified application counselors can help answer questions and get you enrolled in the plan that works best for you and your family,” said Cornelius.

Consumers enrolling in a plan on HealthCare.gov are guaranteed to receive comprehensive coverage, with no pre-existing condition exclusions or markups. All plans cover essential benefits, including doctor and hospital visits, prescription drugs, mental health treatment, and maternity care. In addition, consumers receive free preventive care services, such as immunizations and health screenings. Testing and treatment of COVID-19 are considered essential health benefits and are covered by all HealthCare.gov plans.

Consumers should avoid insurance plans offered outside of HealthCare.gov that seem too good to be true. “Junk insurance” products and short-term limited duration plans pose huge financial risks to consumers. These products can refuse to pay for care for pre-existing conditions, charge consumers more based on their gender, and impose annual coverage limits.

HealthCare.gov is the only website where North Carolina consumers are guaranteed to get comprehensive coverage,” said Cornelius.

 

Make a Free Appointment Today

The health insurance landscape can be confusing, but free, local help is available. Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all Pisgah Legal Services appointments are currently being conducted by phone, some community partners may offer in person assistance.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
May 10 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Henderson County Offices--In the American Red Cross Basement Office

—With the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, donors can
conveniently schedule an appointment to donate blood to help save lives. They can also access
their donor card, track the impact of their donations and earn rewards through the app.

 

Donors of all blood types are encouraged to donate blood. Whether blood is needed for a
chronic condition, such as sickle cell disease, a surgical procedure or a large-scale emergency,
it’s the blood already on the shelves that helps save lives.

To make an appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor
App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood
Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Completion of a RapidPass® online health history
questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the
instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who
are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh
at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High
school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height
and weight requirements.

Apple Valley Middle School Sports Physicals for Local Student-Athletes
May 10 @ 3:30 pm
North Henderson High gym

Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, will host sports physicals for area middle school and high school student-athletes. Participants must have all required forms signed by parents and bring them the day of the physical. Forms are available from coaches or school front offices.

Sports Physicals

It’s time for Sports Physicals!

Calling all area middle school and high school student-athletes! Don’t forget to join Pardee UNC Health Care and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, a department of Pardee, to receive a sports physical.

Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Preservation Videos of our 2021 Griffin Award Winners
May 11 all-day
Online w/ Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County

Rehabilitation – Smith McDowell House, Roof Replacement 
 
Years of planning went into the roof replacement project recently completed at the Smith-McDowell House.  The copper used was manipulated by hand, giving the finished roof a more historically authentic look.  Over the next few years, the copper will take on a beautiful patina for all to enjoy.
 
Western North Carolina Historical Association, Owner
Huber and Associates, Contactor
Emily Kite, Architect
Adaptive Reuse – Leo’s House of Thirst
 
This modest beauty has been everything from a residence to a dentist’s office and is now Leo’s House of Thirst.  We love a rehabilitation that shows that even simple buildings can be saved and turned into something special!
Drew Wallace, Owner
Drew Wallace and Leila Amiri, Concept and Design
Brent Campbell, Architect
Joel Osgood, Landscape architect
Drom, Construction
Restoration – Biltmore Stable, Glass Replacement
 
This project brought its own set of challenges including having glass replacement panels with unique texture made to match the originals and undertaking the project while guests were present at the Estate.  The result was well worth the effort!
The Biltmore Company
Huber and Associates
Meltdown Glass
Associated Scaffolding
  
This Divided Land Documentary: Local History of Racial Discrimination + Housing
May 11 all-day
Online w/ Habitat for Humanity

This Divided Land is a video produced by our friends at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (AAHH). They discovered a racial covenant in the deed of an AAHH property, and documented how they took steps to address it, with assistance from Pisgah Legal staff attorney, Parker Smith. Here’s how AAHH describes the video: The home is the primary way Americans build wealth, but laws and systems have kept people of color- especially Black Americans- from accessing homeownership. Nationally and here in Asheville, white homeownership rates are significantly higher than people of color, and the racial wealth gap is as wide as it was in 1968 when the Fair Housing Act was passed.

After discovering a racial covenant in a deed of a South Asheville property AAHH developed for affordable housing, they decided to delve deeper and learn more about the history of discriminatory housing practices, how they shaped our city, and how practices like these contributed to current day racial disparities. The result is this 18 minute film, This Divided Landfeaturing local partners including Pisgah Legal Services.

American Rescue Plan Makes ACA Insurance More Affordable; Get Free Help, Signing Up w/ Pisgah Legal + Partners
May 11 @ 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Online w/ Pisgah Legal Services

Make a Free Appointment Today

Appointments can be made online at www.pisgahlegal.org/aca or by calling (828) 210-3404. For the safety of consumers, staff and volunteers, all appointments are currently being conducted by phone. Depending on where you live in WNC, some of Pisgah Legal’s ACA Partners may be offering in-person appointments.

 

Last year, more than 90 percent of North Carolinians who enrolled for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) received financial assistance to make their plans more affordable. Subsidies are based on household taxable income and may be difficult for consumers to calculate themselves. Pisgah Legal can help with this process and can factor in unemployment benefits if needed. Pisgah Legal can also answer questions about other coverage, such as COBRA, and help people apply for Medicaid and CHIP.

 

Pisgah Legal and other Enrollment Partners of WNC participating organizations give local residents free, unbiased health insurance information and enrollment assistance in the NC Health Insurance Marketplace. These organizations include: Council on Aging of Buncombe County, Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Mountain Projects, Inc., Western Carolina Medical Society, and Pisgah Legal Services.

The ACA – also known as “Obamacare” – is the law that ensures access to quality, affordable health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. With these plans, consumers are protected and:

  • Can’t be denied coverage for a pre-existing health condition and can’t be dropped for getting sick;
  • Insurers can’t charge higher premiums to women; and
  • Insurers can’t sell substandard plans that don’t pay for essential health care benefits.